# Rishi Sunak tries to lead the UK **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [October 24, 2022, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rishi-sunak-tries-to-lead-the-uk/973706 "2022-10-24T13:07:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 19
**Author:** ![Stanislaus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stanislaus/32/3391_2.png) [@Stanislaus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stanislaus)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2023, 9:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rishi-sunak-tries-to-lead-the-uk/973706/362 "2023-03-09T09:49:26Z")
> [@colinfred](#): > > Let’s face it Sunak and Braverman are talking a good game today, but the PM and the Home Secretary in various incarnations have been talking and talking and talking for ages and the boats just will not stop. Hopefully this will discourage the migrants but I doubt it. The purpose of a system is what it does. It doesn’t actually matter what you designed it to do, or what you say you would like it to do. If you want to know what a system is for, look at what it does. Our immigration system is a system for increasing the number of people risking their lives by crossing the channel in small boats. It does this very well. We know what it would take to have a system that reduced the number of people making dangerous channel crossings: we simply have to set up safe legal routes abroad so that asylum seekers can apply directly. We know this works because we did it with Ukrainians. We have accepted something like 100,000 Ukrainian refugees in the last year. Only a vanishingly small percentage came by small boats and then only before we’d set up the systems to process claims in centres abroad. It works, it works well. The government doesn’t want to do that for, say, Angolans or Iranians and won’t explain why. So instead, we have a system for increasing the number of people taking risky, desperate channel crossings. And until we change the system it will keep fulfilling its purpose. ---
**Author:** ![its\_the\_daddy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/bb73d2/32.png) [@its\_the\_daddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/its_the_daddy)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2023, 9:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rishi-sunak-tries-to-lead-the-uk/973706/363 "2023-03-09T09:54:26Z")
I’ve never seen this better expressed. Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![iamatractorboy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iamatractorboy/32/21261_2.png) [@iamatractorboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamatractorboy)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2023, 10:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rishi-sunak-tries-to-lead-the-uk/973706/364 "2023-03-09T10:27:24Z")
It is getting rather disturblingly Orwellian here the past few years. They do love a good 3-word slogan: Hands Face Space. Get Brexit Done. Stop The Boats. They may as well just rename themselves the British National Party at this rate. That’s got 3 words. ---
**Author:** ![Stanislaus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stanislaus/32/3391_2.png) [@Stanislaus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stanislaus)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2023, 10:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rishi-sunak-tries-to-lead-the-uk/973706/365 "2023-03-09T10:35:05Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > So the policy is now that human traffickers can do what they want to their victims with impunity, because the victims will have no legal recourse at all. This is exactly it. It’s horrifying, and it’s also horrifying that they’re proud to be so blunt about it. We know that traffickers tell their victims that there’s no point running to the authorities because they’ll just be jailed and deported if they do. But now the Government are producing handy infographics the traffickers can use to prove they’re right. ---
**Author:** ![Stanislaus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stanislaus/32/3391_2.png) [@Stanislaus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stanislaus)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2023, 11:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rishi-sunak-tries-to-lead-the-uk/973706/366 "2023-03-09T11:08:26Z")
Good interview with the Home Secretary here in which it becomes clear that the Government don’t actually have a plan, they just want to talk about migrants > The bit where she realises she shouldn’t have given a time frame and immediately tries to row it back is a highlight. “I’m not going to put a timescale on it” “You just have” And of course a year is a terrible timescale to bring up, because that’s before the next election\* and the last thing they intend is to be judged on actual achievements. \*For _fuck’s_ sake ---
**Author:** ![Mijin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mijin/32/9369_2.png) [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2023, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rishi-sunak-tries-to-lead-the-uk/973706/367 "2023-03-09T19:36:18Z")
\ The popular TV Presenter and former footballer Gary Lineker wrote a tweet criticizing the government’s immigration policy, and compared their rhetoric to 1930s Nazis. So the government has attempted to bully the BBC into sacking or suspending the presenter. For Americans who may be confused by this, the BBC is a taxpayer-funded broadcaster. However, as it was just a tweet from his personal account, in no sense representing the BBC, I don’t think they have a leg to stand on. > **[Lineker to avoid suspension as Braverman hits back at ‘Nazi’ tweet](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/gary-lineker-tweet-immigrants-bbc-b2297244.html)** > > Lineker is a freelance broadcaster for the BBC I also agree with Lineker’s comments FWIW. And I think it’s pretty appalling that Braverman tried to strawman his comments by saying he was comparing their policy to “the holocaust”, which is not what he said at all. ---
**Author:** ![Frodo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/frodo/32/302_2.png) [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2023, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rishi-sunak-tries-to-lead-the-uk/973706/368 "2023-03-09T19:44:55Z")
Gary Lineker is a mensch. ---
**Author:** ![pjd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pjd/32/3009_2.png) [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2023, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rishi-sunak-tries-to-lead-the-uk/973706/369 "2023-03-10T14:16:55Z")
✔ ---
**Author:** ![Stanislaus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stanislaus/32/3391_2.png) [@Stanislaus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stanislaus)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2023, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rishi-sunak-tries-to-lead-the-uk/973706/370 "2023-03-10T14:38:11Z")
> [@Stanislaus](#): > > Of course. But his ability to do that job depends in part on his personal popularity with the electorate and **while he’s not likely to hit Truss levels of 70% disapproval,** he’s not going to be well liked once his austerity 2.0 agenda kicks in, and the fact that he personally is absurdly rich is going to exacerbate that. So to the extent that this thread is about him leading the UK, this is going to be a problem for him. I said this early in the thread/Sunak’s term and quoting now in a “just goes to show how wrong you can be” moment: > The stats in this thread are satisfation/dissatisfaction with the government rather than Sunak personally, but as you’ll see if you click through, for practically any group you care to name, dissatisfaction is indeed running at or above that 70% mark. Men, women, old, young, rich, poor, school leaver, graduate, white, ethnic minority, southerners, northerners… the people of Britain are united in thinking Sunak’s Tories are a bit shit. Two exceptions: Dissatisfaction is as low as 66% among people who voted Tory in 2019, and marginally below 50% among people who intend to vote Tory this time. Which, you know, you’d think those guys could find a little more enthusiasm. ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2023, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rishi-sunak-tries-to-lead-the-uk/973706/371 "2023-03-10T20:04:16Z")
Things are getting a little more awkward over Linekergate. Lineker was pulled from Saturday’s edition of **Match Of The Day** , the BBC’s flagship football coverage. Match Of The Day is presented by celebrated international footballers like Lineker (pulled by the BBC), Alan Shearer (refused to appear on Saturday’s show after Lineker was pulled) and Ian Wright (likewise refused to appear). I’m considering offering my services - I may be the best they can get. > **[Gary Lineker told to step back from presenting Match of the Day](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64920557)** > > The BBC took the decision after an impartiality row over his criticism of the government's asylum plans. Elsewhere, the principled stand taken by the BBC is being unraveled by another of it’s presenters: > **[Chris Packham drags Lord Sugar into Gary Lineker BBC row over unearthed tweets](https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/chris-packham-drags-lord-sugar-29423354)** > > Tweets by Lord Alan Sugar are now being called into question following a row over what BBC stars can and can't say on social media Alan Sugar is the business guru on **The Apprentice** - yeah, the Trump role, in the UK original of the show. > Wildlife presenter Chris Packham took to [Twitter](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/twitter) to give some “essential balance” on the argument and shared tweets from Lord Sugar – who he claimed was also a BBC employee - criticising transport union boss [Mick Lynch](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/mick-lynch) over recent strike action. > > In the tweets from December 2022, Lord Sugar blasts Lynch saying: “Hello Mick Lynch hope you are happy yourself bringing the country to its knees over Xmas. > > “You don’t fool me waiting for the employers to come to table. You love the publicity. Your members would like to earn what you get. Why don’t you waive your salary.” There’s a little more, but I’m sticking to the fair use guideline I’ve been given. j ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2023, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rishi-sunak-tries-to-lead-the-uk/973706/372 "2023-03-10T22:16:11Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > …Another step in the ongoing “Discourage immigration by making the UK a dystopian hellhole” policy the Conservatives are wedded to. Well, c’mon, they’ve been at it for _decades_ now. You’ve gotta admire that kind of consistency! ---
**Author:** ![Frodo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/frodo/32/302_2.png) [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2023, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rishi-sunak-tries-to-lead-the-uk/973706/373 "2023-03-11T21:43:12Z")
The BBC (And Lineker) should be thankful that Diego is dead, otherwise he would be livid at what they are doing to his friend Gary and would be tearing them a new one in His own inimitable way (while Gary privately begs him to stop “helping”). ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2023, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rishi-sunak-tries-to-lead-the-uk/973706/374 "2023-03-12T13:34:53Z")
This is a bit of a diversion, but I’ll add a little more to it as it does raise questions about whether the BBC is acting with political impartiality, and to what extent the current conservative government is exerting influence on it (or trying to). Re the BBC’s sports coverage: > The BBC’s football output remains in chaos, with an unofficial staff boycott continuing into Sunday. > > It follows an unprecedented day of turmoil for the BBC’s sport operation, with staff including some of the most recognisable faces and voices downing tools. Source: [Gary Lineker: BBC talks with presenter 'moving in right direction', sources say - BBC News](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64930957) Plus, it goes a lot further than soccer coverage being messed up. Where did the concerns regarding impartiality come from? Well, as I posted above, Lineker’s criticism of the government saw him effectively suspended, whereas, for example, Alan Sugar’s lambasting of trades unions was completely ignored. And you have to place this difference in context: > An ongoing KC-led review into Mr Sharp’s appointment as BBC chairman is investigating whether he failed to properly disclose details of his involvement in the facilitation of an £800,000 loan guarantee for the then PM Boris Johnson. He has denied any involvement in the arrangement of a loan for Mr Johnson. > > The BBC is also conducting its own internal review over any potential conflicts of interest Mr Sharp may have in his current role as BBC chairman. [I presume KC = King’s Counsel] > **[Gary Lineker: Impartiality row leads to fresh calls for BBC chairman to resign](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64926923)** > > The BBC chairman is under renewed pressure with the broadcaster in the grip of a major impartiality row. Pressure on Sharp to resign is growing. So, sports programming is a bit iffy, but this story is turning into a pretty interesting watch. j ---
**Author:** ![PatrickLondon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/patricklondon/32/4422_2.png) [@PatrickLondon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatrickLondon)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2023, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rishi-sunak-tries-to-lead-the-uk/973706/375 "2023-03-13T13:32:15Z")
The BBC and Gary Lineker have come to some agreement or other on the social media question, so he’ll be back next weekend. But how that leaves the BBC management is another matter. Sharp, as Chairman, isn’t supposed to be directly involved with operational matters, so the question for him is more to do with whether he is, or is seen to be, standing up for the BBC’s independence from government or party pressures. The mess caused by standing Lineker down in the first place is, on the face of it, down to Tim Davie, the Director-General (also a previously active Tory). ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2023, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rishi-sunak-tries-to-lead-the-uk/973706/376 "2023-03-13T15:59:24Z")
> [@PatrickLondon](#): > > The BBC and Gary Lineker have come to some agreement… Lets close this out with some words from the man himself. OK, quick reminder that the Tweet that kicked all of this off was Lineker criticizing proposed immigration legislation aimed at refugees, and noting that the Conservative Party rhetoric around it had a whiff of Germany in the 1930’s. This led to his _de facto_ suspension, a mighty brouhaha, and eventually his reinstatement today. Of which episode Gary Lineker Tweets: > “However difficult the last few days have been, it simply doesn’t compare to having to flee your home from persecution or war to seek refuge in a land far away,” Nice. [Source](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/gary-lineker-bbc-sorry-row-29443225). Chaotic BBC live feed: [Gary Lineker to return to Match of the Day as BBC announces review of social media rules - BBC News](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/entertainment-arts-64938252) j ---
**Author:** ![Dead\_Cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9fc29f/32.png) [@Dead\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dead_Cat)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2023, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rishi-sunak-tries-to-lead-the-uk/973706/377 "2023-03-16T18:22:34Z")
I don’t always agree with Lineker (though I do think his comment in this case was fair), but I will defend his right to say it - the BBC have handled this pathetically badly. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2023, 9:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rishi-sunak-tries-to-lead-the-uk/973706/378 "2023-03-17T09:25:06Z")
Between the Lineker debacle and the [abrupt axing of the BBC Singers](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/mar/07/bbc-singers-choir-to-close-as-part-of-corporations-major-review-of-classical-music), the Beeb management have definitely overplayed their hand. ---
**Author:** ![PatrickLondon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/patricklondon/32/4422_2.png) [@PatrickLondon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatrickLondon)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2023, 10:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rishi-sunak-tries-to-lead-the-uk/973706/379 "2023-03-17T10:47:01Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > the [abrupt axing of the BBC Singers](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/mar/07/bbc-singers-choir-to-close-as-part-of-corporations-major-review-of-classical-music) I assumed that was meant to be a loss leader, to ensure, once the decision is reversed, that the eventual inevitable cuts elsewhere look that bit less unpalatable. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2023, 11:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rishi-sunak-tries-to-lead-the-uk/973706/380 "2023-03-17T11:14:36Z")
They’re also cutting 20% across the orchestras. Not sure how that’s going to work - are they planning on firing all the brass players? ---
**Author:** ![iamatractorboy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iamatractorboy/32/21261_2.png) [@iamatractorboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamatractorboy)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2023, 11:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rishi-sunak-tries-to-lead-the-uk/973706/381 "2023-03-17T11:21:46Z")
Shorter woodwind instruments? Fewer keys on the piano? 3-stringed cellos? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rishi-sunak-tries-to-lead-the-uk/973706.md?page=18) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rishi-sunak-tries-to-lead-the-uk/973706.md?page=20)